Thanksgiving Flowers: A Warm Guide to Fall’s Most Loved Blooms

Thanksgiving is celebrated in the United States on the fourth Thursday of November as a day centered on gratitude, family, and sharing a meaningful meal. It marks the end of the harvest season, which is why homes naturally lean toward warm, earthy tones during this time—colors that echo fallen leaves, candlelight, and the calm beauty of late autumn.

Flowers play an important role in shaping this atmosphere. They bring the essence of the season indoors, blending burnt oranges, deep reds, golds, and rustic greens into arrangements that feel familiar and comforting. So when someone asks, “What flowers are used for Thanksgiving?”, they’re really looking for blooms that reflect the warmth and abundance of the holiday.

This guide explores the flowers most commonly used for Thanksgiving, what makes them special, and how to choose arrangements that elevate your celebration—especially if you're planning for a Manhattan Thanksgiving.

Flowers Commonly Used for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving arrangements usually incorporate sunflowers, chrysanthemums, orange and red roses, lilies, gerbera daisies, carnations, alstroemeria, and ranunculus. Seasonal elements such as wheat, eucalyptus, magnolia leaves, solidago, hypericum berries, and mini pumpkins often complete the design.

Each bloom contributes something unique: sunflowers bring brightness, mums add depth, roses add elegance, lilies create movement, and berries or wheat introduce a natural harvest touch. Together, they create the layered look that defines the Thanksgiving aesthetic.

Popular Thanksgiving Flowers and Their Meaning

Sunflowers
Bright, warm, and full of gratitude. Their golden petals reflect the spirit of harvest and bring a cheerful presence to any table.

Chrysanthemums (Mums)
Known for their rich fall tones—rust, gold, burgundy, bronze—mums add texture and fullness to arrangements.

Autumn Roses
Orange, red, and burgundy roses bring warmth and depth. They add sophistication and blend beautifully with fall foliage.

Lilies
Elegant and expressive, lilies add height, shape, and gentle fragrance. Orange Asiatic lilies are especially loved during Thanksgiving.

Gerbera Daisies
Cheerful and bright, they lighten the tone of arrangements and add a friendly, inviting feel.

Carnations
Soft, long-lasting, and textured. They blend well with other blooms, adding volume and comfort to the design.

Alstroemeria
Known for their delicate markings and long vase life, they bring softness and layered detail.

Ranunculus
A premium fall flower with lush, layered petals that elevate the arrangement with a handcrafted touch.

Berries, Greens & Seasonal Accents
Hypericum berries, eucalyptus, magnolia leaves, wheat, and solidago help complete the harvest look with texture and natural depth.

Why Thanksgiving Flowers Have a Unique Look

Thanksgiving florals follow a palette inspired by the natural world at the end of autumn. The season leans heavily into warm, rich colors that feel comforting and inviting. Common tones include:

• Burnt orange
  
  
• Deep red
  
  
• Golden yellow
  
  
• Burgundy
  
  
• Copper
  
  
• Warm brown
  
  
• Rustic green
  
  

These colors blend naturally with wood, candles, linen, and the soft light often found in homes during late November. When arranged well, Thanksgiving flowers feel like an extension of the season rather than a separate decoration.

Beautiful Thanksgiving Arrangement Styles

Candle Centerpieces
These are especially popular for dinner tables. The low profile keeps the table open for conversation, while the candle glow adds warmth and intimacy.

Cornucopia Arrangements
Symbolic and nostalgic. Cornucopias, often filled with sunflowers, pumpkins, greens, and warm-toned flowers, represent harvest and plenty.

Low Table Centerpieces
Ideal for Thanksgiving dinners. They sit low, spread wide, and add color without becoming a visual barrier.

Fall Flower Baskets
Perfect for entryways or as gifts for hosts. These designs bring rustic charm and instantly make a home feel ready for the season.

Mixed Fall Bouquets
Versatile and easy to place. They brighten living spaces and bring seasonal color into everyday corners of the home.

How to Choose Thanksgiving Flowers That Feel Intentional

Choosing the right Thanksgiving flowers is less about strict rules and more about creating harmony in your home.

Select blooms in warm seasonal colors that blend with your table linens, décor, and candles.
Choose low, wide arrangements for dining tables so everyone can see one another.
Incorporate textural elements like wheat, eucalyptus, berries, and pumpkin accents to bring a true harvest feel.
Use long-lasting blooms—mums, roses, carnations, alstroemeria, and sunflowers—to keep your flowers fresh throughout the holiday.
Opt for gentle fragrances so the floral scent complements your meal instead of competing with it.

Placement matters:
Low designs work best for dining tables, medium arrangements for kitchen islands, and tall displays for entryways or living rooms.

Thanksgiving Flowers in Manhattan

Celebrating Thanksgiving in Manhattan comes with a unique energy. Homes fill with guests early in the day, kitchens stay busy, and timing becomes everything. Local florists understand this rhythm and craft arrangements with precision and care.

You can easily order handcrafted Thanksgiving flowers from Black Petals in Manhattan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What flowers are traditionally used for Thanksgiving?
Sunflowers, mums, roses, lilies, gerbera daisies, alstroemeria, and carnations.

What colors work best for Thanksgiving arrangements?
Orange, golden yellow, burgundy, red, and rustic green.

Which flowers last longest for Thanksgiving?
Mums, carnations, roses, alstroemeria, and sunflowers.

What is the best centerpiece for a Thanksgiving dinner table?
A low floral arrangement or candle centerpiece that doesn’t block the view across the table.

Does Black Petals offer same-day Thanksgiving delivery in Manhattan?
Yes, same-day delivery is available before 5 PM during Thanksgiving week.

Bring Thanksgiving to Life With Seasonal Flowers

Thanksgiving is a day built around gratitude, shared meals, and moments that feel both simple and memorable. Flowers add warmth, color, and a sense of welcome to those moments. Whether you're decorating your home, hosting dinner, or giving a thoughtful seasonal gift, Thanksgiving flowers help create an atmosphere that feels complete.